President Droupadi Murmu today said that India is rapidly progressing towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy, and Artificial Intelligence is emerging as a growth driver for the Indian economy. The President said this while addressing a special programme under SOAR-Skilling for AI Readiness, in Rashtrapati Bhawan today. During the event, President Murmu said that AI is not just a technology but an opportunity for positive change in India. She emphasized that AI will play a significant role in the country’s GDP, employment, and overall productivity in the coming decade. She noted that, skills such as data science, AI engineering, and data analytics will play a crucial role in developing the country’s AI talent pool.

The President said that for a young nation like India, AI is not just a technology, but a tremendous opportunity for positive change. She said, the importance of artificial intelligence is rapidly growing across various sectors and it has become essential for everyone to learn the technology. She added that the central government, in collaboration with various institutions, industry partners, and academia, is ensuring that India not only adopts technology but also shapes a responsible future through it.
During the event, the President conferred AI certificates upon learners, including students and Members of Parliament and launched the national awareness campaign named Skill The Nation Challenge. She said, the objective of this challenge is to promote awareness of AI and foster economic self-reliance. The President expressed hope that the initiative would be crucial in empowering millions of learners, enhancing their skills, and preparing a future-ready workforce in the country. The President also inaugurated the IGNOU Regional Centre and Skill Centre at Rairangpur in Odisha, virtually.
Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan and Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Education Jayant Chaudhary were present at the event.